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About Chatham Township

New Jersey Monthly magazine named Chatham Township #1 in their 2008 Best Places to Live edition based on its stable population growth, open space, minimal crime and low jobless rate. This was an incredible achievement considering that 566 New Jersey municipalities were considered.

Chatham has also been noticed by other major publications. When CNN and Money magazine ranked Chatham ninth on its list of The 100 Best Places to Live in the United States in 2005, they described it as more like a “small New England town than a bustling Big Apple ‘burb.” Indeed, Chatham real estate offers vintage architecture, a strategic location 25 miles from Manhattan and an abiding sense of community making it a desirable destination in southeastern Morris County.

Chatham Borough and Chatham Township share a common heritage and are sometimes jointly referred to as The Chathams. Although the two are actually separate municipalities, they do share a library, school district, volunteer ambulance corps, zip code and post office. Residents have been known to say the Township and Borough are really just like one town that happens to have two different governments.

Noteworthy for the fine examples of Colonial and Victorian architecture along its tree-lined streets, the borough’s historic district on the east end of Main Street is filled with charming homes. Proud of its Early American roots, the borough was a resting spot for George Washington during the Revolutionary War.

Cultural opportunities in Chatham include historical, art, garden and musical groups, as well as the facilities and programs at neighboring Drew and Fairleigh Dickinson universities. Nearby communities include Summit, New Providence, Berkeley Heights, Harding Township, Madison, Florham Park, Morristown, Short Hills, Millburn and Livingston.

History

At the time Chatham Township was created in 1806, it included the communities of Chatham, Green Village and Bottle Hill (now known as Madison), along with the rural areas surrounding these communities. Called “John Day’s Bridge” in 1710, Chatham was an English province. In 1773, the adopted name of Chatham was used to honor William Pitt, the first Earl of Chatham and a British prime minister.

Chatham Township was formed on February 12, 1806, with jurisdiction over the area of present-day Chatham Borough several communities and settlements, including some that had been part of Hanover and Morris Townships. At this time, most of the land was either open, swampy or mountainous. By 1892, Chatham Borough seceded from the township. The boundaries of Chatham Township have remained unchanged since 1899.

After World War II, a burst of suburban development occurred during the 1950s when numerous farms, greenhouses and flower nurseries were sold. As more people began to own cars and move out of big cities, and as neighborhoods grew out of formal rural properties, Chatham country landscapes began to change dramatically.

The township experienced even more residential development in the 1960s and 1970s, when re-zoning allowed open spaces, farms and woodlands to be developed. For several generations the largest farm was the Schwartz Farm, which produced dairy products sold in local stores and schools and delivered to homes. Former rose farms became two major shopping centers near the corner of Shunpike Road and Southern Boulevard. The corner was known as Hickory Tree since it was named for a hickory tree planted during President Madison’s term.

Heyl Roses in Green Village was the oldest and final commercial rose and cut flower grower in New Jersey when it closed in 1999.

The Chatham Historical Society celebrates Chatham’s local heritage, bringing together those who are interested in learning about the town’s history. It also preserves artifacts and records of historical interest relating to the development of Chatham.

Community Life

Chatham Township is characterized by quieter neighborhoods, larger properties and relatively newer developments. Although not within walking distance to the conveniences of Chatham Borough, the shopping district is only a short drive away.

In addition to the excellent shopping and restaurants available along Chatham’s Main Street and at the Hickory Tree Shopping Center, there are vibrant downtowns in nearby Madison and Summit, as well as more extensive retail options at the Livingston Mall and The Mall at Short Hills.

Parks

Green Village Pond Conservation Area is a former homestead now owned by the Township. It is located on Green Village Road near Melrose Lane. The ChathamTownship Environmental Commission sponsors an Open Space Workday on Earth Day every April, when volunteers spend time maintaining the trail and grounds. The nature trail leads to a lily pond which hosts ducks and frogs, a marsh and wetlands with native wildflowers.

Colony Pool and Recreation Center at 55 School Avenue and Spring Street offers a sandy bottom pool, six tennis courts, two paddle tennis courts, a playground and recreation area.

Parts of the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center fall within Chatham’s borders.

Education

The Borough of Chatham and Chatham Township held elections in 1986 to consider joining their separate school districts. This proposal was supported by the voters of both municipalities and today they share a regionalized school district, the School District of the Chathams.

Real Estate

Local Attractions

The Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center located on 247 Southern Boulevard features exhibits, educational programs, hiking and canoeing. It is part of the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The Nature Center houses a reference library, auditorium, two classrooms and natural history displays. Weekend family programming, trail walks and workshops are scheduled on a seasonal basis. A mile of trail, much of it on boardwalks, and an observation blind are among the attractions.

Chatham Township Museum is located at 24 Southern Boulevard in the Red Brick Schoolhouse, built in 1860 and used until 1928 when the town's five rural schools were replaced by the Southern Boulevard School. The schoolhouse was deeded to the town and was used as Town Hall for many years. When the town offices relocated in 1988, the historic schoolhouse was put into the charge of the Chatham Township Historical Society for use as a museum. Visitors are welcome to visit the museum, which is open from 2-4 PM on the first Sunday of each month.

Fun Fact: A grassroots movement of local activists and politicians saved the Great Swamp from being developed into a major metropolitan airport in 1960. It was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1966.